Martino warns Barca to be wary of Banega
Posted Sunday, September 01, 2013 by Foxsports.com
Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino believes nullifying the threat of Ever Banega will be crucial in Saturday's La Liga clash at Valencia.
Martino collected his first piece of silverware as Barca boss on Wednesday night when the Catalan side drew 0-0 with Atletico Madrid at the Nou Camp - despite a late Lionel Messi penalty miss - to reclaim the Spanish Super Cup on away goals.
The Argentinian was not dwelling on that success, though, as he turned his attention back to La Liga and this weekend's testing trip to Valencia, singling out Banega as a particular danger for his players to be aware of if they are to extend their perfect start to the season.
"We have to stop Banega from influencing the game," Martino said of his compatriot at his pre-match press conference on Saturday. "We'll try to be at our best to stop him."
Miroslav Djukic's Valencia have had a mixed campaign so far after winning their opener against Malaga before crashing to a 3-1 defeat away to Espanyol last Saturday.
Martino expects the hosts to be on the front foot on Sunday in pursuit of their second victory.
"They've played two very different matches," he noted.
"They changed a number of players from the first to the second match, and shuffled positions around.
"As the home side, Valencia have to go for the win. I'm in no doubt about that. What we do is imagine what might happen and then see if there are alternatives."
Barca will be without Spain midfielder Xavi and Chile forward Alexis Sanchez on Sunday, with Martino explaining: "It was their turn to rest."
Los Che midfielder Oriel Romeu knows his side will have to be nothing less than perfect in order to take anything out of the match at the Mestalla.
Romeu is hoping to make his first start of the season for his club as they bid to bounce back in style from their disappointment last week.
"Barcelona are a strong opponent, if not the strongest, and we have to be prepared and in the right frame of mind to play well," he said.
"You either have to play perfectly or you've got no chance. Hopefully we'll have a perfect game."
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